What is Sterling Silver?
Sterling Silver, better known as 925 silver, is the term that refers to 92.5% pure silver. Jewellery marked 925 is not a guarantee that it is actually of high quality. In the UK, however, we have very strict hallmarking regulations and markings to ensure that jewellery that you buy are of the utmost quality and offers what it says on the box.
Silver is highly malleable if it is 100% pure and cannot be used to make jewellery for daily wear. As with most precious metals used in jewellery making, silver is often mixed with alloys such as copper and zinc to make it more hard and wearable.
What is Gold Vermeil?
Vermeil is a more expensive version of gold plated jewellery. Its lustre can last for a number of years compared to other plated costume jewellery and thus is a better option if you wish to keep your jewellery looking bright and new.
The metals are plated using a complex electrolysis process. Gold Vermeil consists of a sterling silver base that is coated with at least 2 microns thick gold and a minimum of 14kt gold.
At Made In B we endeavour to procure gold vermeil jewellery with a minimum of 2 or 3 microns and 18 or 24 karat gold.
Allergies. If you are allergic to gold plated earrings, or get a rash / itchy reaction when wearing them, try putting a little bit of clear nail varnish on the post. When it eventually wears off just re-apply it.